Three RiversHudson~Mohawk~SchoharieHistory From America's Most Famous Valleys

The
Frontiersmen of New Yorkby
Jeptha R. SimmsAlbany, NY 1883

Volume II, Page 307 -- In person, Brant was about the middle
size, of a square, stout build, fitted rather for enduring hardships than
for quick movements. His complexion was lighter than that of most of the Indians,
which resulted, perhaps, from his less exposed manner of living. This circumstance,
probably gives rise to a statement, which has been often repeated, that he
was of mixed origin. (The old people in the Mohawk valley to whom he was known,
generally agree in maintaining that he was not a full blooded Indian, but
part white.) He was married in the winter of 1779, to a daughter of Col. Croghan,
by an Indian woman. The circumstance of this marriage are somewhat singular.
He was present at the wedding of Miss Moore from Cherry Valley, who had been
carried away a prisoner, and who married an officer of the garrison at Fort
Niagara.

"Brant
had lived with his wife for some time previous, according to the Indian custom,
without marriage; but now insisted that the marriage ceremony should be performed.
This was accordingly done by col. Butler, who was still considered a magistrate.
After the war he removed with his nation to Canada. There he was employed
in transacting important business for his tribe. He went out to England after
the war, and was honorably received there." Memoirs of Dr. Wheelock--see
N. Y. His. Col.

Joseph
Brant died on the 24th of November, 1807, at his residence near the head of
Lake Ontario, in the 65th year of his age. Not long before that event, the
British government refused, for the first time, to confirm a sale of lands
made by that chief, which mortified him very much. The sale was afterwards
confirmed, at which he was so much elated, that he got into a frolic, that
it said to have laid the foundation for his sickness, and resulted in his
death. The wife of Brant, who was very dignified in her appearance, would
not converse in English before strangers, notwithstanding she could speak
it fluently, --Said Judge Isaac H. Tiffany, who visited Brant at his
own home in 1806.